Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofits, tribes, schools, special districts, and fiscally sponsored groups in California serving Mendocino County residents can receive US $500 - US $1,000 for public educational opportunities and community events. Community Foundation of Mendocino County supports small, well-planned projects with broad local impact that address immediate community needs and align with its mission and strategic priorities.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and school districts in California communities facing acute poverty can receive funding for family services, youth development, and K–12 education programs. S H Cowell Foundation provides California small-grant seekers with place-based support that advances racial equity, community health, and economic advancement in Northern and Central California communities.

Nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and tribal nations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California can apply for Ford Family Foundation larger grants to fund programs, operations, or capital projects. Funding supports early childhood and youth development, child welfare, rural education, community facilities, and related services benefiting children and families.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal nations strengthening rural children and families can seek up to US $5,000 for technical assistance in California, especially Siskiyou County. Grants from the Ford Family Foundation help California small nonprofits hire consultants for planning, governance, fundraising, or fiscal systems, or send staff to mission-focused trainings.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in California can seek recoverable grants for out-of-pocket litigation expenses such as expert fees and discovery costs from the Impact Fund, typically US $10,000 - US $50,000. Grants support economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Funding prioritizes programs serving low- and moderate-income populations and may benefit small nonprofits seeking support for affordable housing, academic enrichment, job readiness, or small business and farm development initiatives.

California nonprofits in rural communities can access funding through Land O'Lakes Foundation to support community vitality projects such as ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, and economic development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in specified rural counties may apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in California that serve rural microenterprises can access loans and grants to run revolving microloan funds and provide training and technical assistance. Focused on rural development and entrepreneurship, United States Department of Agriculture invites eligible Microenterprise Development Organizations to support working capital, equipment, real estate improvements, and related business needs; awards up to US $500,000.

California nonprofit arts organizations with tax-exempt status and principal offices in Los Angeles County can seek two-year project funding for arts programming, education, and cultural access. Focused on arts education and community arts participation, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture invites eligible groups to support specific events, program components, or ongoing artistic activities; awards up to US $250,000.

The Trinity Trust offers Community Response Grants to benefit Trinity County residents in California. Managed by the Humboldt Area Foundation, these grants address urgent community needs where small investments can create a significant impact. Eligible projects include building partnerships, engaging youth, and enhancing organizational capacity. Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies may apply. However, grants are not available for expenses outside the service area or for religious activities.

Nonprofit institutions and individual researchers studying under-researched women photographers worldwide or Western American photographers through the Great Depression can receive US $500 - US $2,000 for research expenses, including those based in California. Grants from Humboldt Area Foundation help support focused photohistory projects; funds must be used strictly for research activities.

California organizations hosting public literary readings or writing workshops can receive mini-grants to pay participating writers’ fees. Poets & Writers supports poetry and literature programs by funding published poets, fiction, creative nonfiction, and performance writers, with awards up to US $3,000 per organization each fiscal year; nonprofit status is not required.

Grassroots environmental and community groups in California can receive up to US $7,500 to advance climate resilience, environmental justice, and related advocacy or organizing. Grants from Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment help small organizations (annual budgets of $150,000 or less) working on issues like pollution, sustainable agriculture, water resources, and habitat protection through community-based campaigns and education.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in arts, civic affairs, education, environment, health, or social services can seek general operating, program, or capital support, with capital limited to Los Angeles County projects. S Mark Taper Foundation provides flexible funding for organizations serving communities in Imperial, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running literacy, STEM, or STEAM education programs for children and students in California’s North County area of San Diego can apply for grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Grants from Bessie Minor Swift Foundation help small, local programs expand reading, writing, and educational enrichment services.

Small, high-impact NGOs focused on poverty alleviation in East Asia can apply for TFish Fund’s TFish Fund Grant, with awards up to US $10,000 to support basic needs, health, and education programs. California-based organizations serving East Asia or Asian American communities may be especially well-positioned for this funding and capacity-building support.

California nonprofits planning public festivals in Berkeley can access funding through the City of Berkeley to support one-time or annual community events. 501(c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(6) organizations, or fiscally sponsored groups, may request up to US $7,000 for artist stipends, equipment, production staff, permits, and other festival-related costs.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1.5 million can receive general operating support through Silicon Valley Creates’ Unrestricted Operating Grants. Based in Santa Clara County and active there for at least three years, groups focused on accessible, inclusive public arts programming may be eligible.

The Valley Water Standard Grants - Stewardship Grants program provides $1.87 million in funding for projects aimed at enhancing safe, clean drinking water, water conservation, and environmental stewardship in Santa Clara County. This initiative supports diverse community efforts including pollution cleanups, habitat restoration, and educational programs, requiring a 15% matching contribution. Open to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, it empowers local communities to tackle pressing water and environmental challenges effectively.

Nonprofit arts organizations and fiscally sponsored groups using creative programming to engage communities on environmental or climate issues in California can seek funding that may cover operations, staff, or programs. The Wilhelm Family Foundation prioritizes small arts nonprofits, especially those serving diverse or marginalized communities, and also considers applicants from across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on hunger relief and food access in rural California communities can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs and projects. Land O'Lakes Foundation supports food banks, pantries, meal services, school meal programs, and community gardens serving eligible dairy-community counties, including Fresno, Glenn, Kings, Riverside, and Tulare.

California nonprofit theatre organizations with at least $1,000,000 in annual revenue and a sole mission to produce and present theatre can apply for Sheri And Les Biller Family Foundation’s Social Impact Theatre grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports contemporary, professional productions on current social issues and change-capital projects to strengthen theatre sustainability.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in California can seek grants of US $100,000 - US $500,000 to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development supports rural economic and business development projects, including planning, facilities, incubators, revolving loan funds, and entrepreneurship training that benefit communities outside major urban areas.

Government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek funding for land stewardship, air quality, or water stewardship projects through the PG&E Corporation Foundation’s Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant program. Awards of US $100,000 support any project stage, with priority for disadvantaged or vulnerable communities in PG&E’s service regions.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and local agencies can apply for $1,000 - $100,000 to develop or expand visible community projects in rural San Joaquin Valley communities. The Wonderful Company supports efforts in places like Delano, Wasco, Avenal, Sanger, and similar areas that make these communities more equitable to live, work, and play.